Newtown government officials have asked that the media stay clear of their town when it marks the first anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

"The community is choosing to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the Sandy Hook tragedy in ways that are quiet, personal and respectful," Newtown first selectman Pat Llodra said in a written statement obtained by USA Today on Monday. “We were fully aware of our tragedy, we’re trying to say to the world, please give us a chance to grow into that really happy, healthy place that loves children and families, that has great schools.... We need you to help us get there by please staying away," she added during a news conference.

USA Today confirmed on Monday that it will not be covering the anniversary to give the victims the quiet they are asking for. "We'll respect the wishes of the people of Newtown," USA Today editor in chief David Callaway said.

CNN's Brooke Baldwin also said on Monday that CNN would not be reporting live from Newtown on the anniversary, although it will have coverage of the day featured on the network.

NBC and ABC News have also said that they have "no plans to dispatch fully equipped crews through Newtown that day," the New York Times reported.